"Brassica oleracea, Botrytis Group: Broccoli is sometimes called the luxury crop because it’s so easy to grow and it has a million dollar taste. By sowing several varieties that have a sequence of maturity dates, you can have a continual harvest through late fall and even over winter into spring from just one or two plantings.
Brassica rapa, Ruvo Group

CULTURE: When compared with the rest of the cole crops, broccoli is generally the most vigorous and trouble free to grow. However, early plantings are essential because it lacks tolerance to extreme heat. Generally cole crops are tolerant of the acidic soils. Maintaining a pH of 6.0-6.8 will make the best use of the available nutrients.
FOR TRANSPLANTS: Start broccoli indoors or in the greenhouse about the first of February for transplanting in mid-March. Sow the seed in a sterile seedling mix, 1/4 inch deep, in individual pots. The optimum soil temperature range is 55-75°F. Days to emergence: 5-17. Keep the seedlings moist, and provide adequate nutrition. Harden off seedlings in a cold frame prior to transplanting. Set the seedlings 12-24 inches apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Side-dress with 1/2 cup blood meal or composted chicken manure. Young seedlings may be covered with a cloche or row cover such as Gro-Therm or Reemay. Be watchful for early hot spells, because covers can create too much heat if left unchecked.
TO DIRECT SOW: Broccoli can be directly seeded from April through mid July. Sow the seed 1/2 inch deep, 4 inches apart, in rows 18-36 inches apart. Cover the seed with loose soil or sifted compost. Keep the seedbed uniformly moist as rough heads or leaves in the head are usually from heat-stressed seedlings. Thin plants to 12-24 inches apart and work in 1/4-1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer or equivalent around the base of each plant. INSECTS: See Brassica Insect Information in the box below.
DISEASE: The home gardener can help prevent viral and fungal broccoli diseases by practicing long crop rotations, using sterile starting mixes if transplanting, and practicing general sanitation procedures.
HARVEST: Before flower buds open, cut the central head at a 45°F angle. Side shoots will form from the axillary buds and should be cut regularly to encourage production. Store at 40°F and 95% relative humidity.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 80%. Days to maturity are calculated from transplanting date; add 25-35 days if direct seeded. Usual seed life: 3 years. Approximately 125-175 seeds per 1/2 gram, about 250-350 seeds per gram; 28 grams per ounce.

Sampler: 1/2 gram
Packet: 4 grams
Unless otherwise noted."

   Open Pollinated